On June 18, 2023, a Titan deep-sea submersible, operated by the American company OceanGate Expeditions and carrying five people on a trip to the Titanic wreck, was reported missing. After a five-day search, the US Coast Guard announced at a press conference on June 22 that the ship suffered a “catastrophic implosion” that killed all five passengers on board.
Pakistani born businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawoodboth British citizens, were also among the victims.
His family is one of the richest in Pakistan, with Shahzada Dawood as vice president of Engro Corporation, for The New York Times. His son was studying at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.
Shahzada's sister Azmeh Dawood told NBC News that Suleman had expressed reluctance to make the trip, telling a family member that he was “not quite ready” and was “terrified” about the trip to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, but eventually went to please his dad, Titanic fan, for Father's Day.
The Dawood Foundation mourned his death in a statement on its website, saying: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. Our beloved children were on board OceanGagte's submersible Titan which died under the water. Please continue to keep the departed souls and our family in your prayers during this difficult time of mourning.”
